Satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system

ABSTRACT

A satellite system for transmission of signals of two different frequencies and polarizations simultaneously, and will accommodate two different polarity commands from different sources at the same time. The satellite system includes a satellite antenna that receives signals. A head-in frequency processor enables the different frequencies and polarizations to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. This single coaxial cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which is connected to a receiver. This configuration provides for the system that will permit for satellite broadcasting in locations that are not in the line-of-sight path to the satellites such as high-rises, hospitals, condominiums, schools, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/464,969 filed May 13, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,165,520 issued Apr. 24, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/089,131 filed Mar. 24, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,542,717 issued Jun. 2, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,119 filed Dec. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,917,783 issued Jul. 12, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/621,464 filed Jul. 21, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,045 issued Dec. 25, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/001,484 filed Dec. 31, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,482 issued Sep. 19, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/838,677 filed Apr. 9, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,975 issued Sep. 8, 1998, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/394,234 filed Feb. 22, 1995, now abandoned. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a satellite broadcasting receiving and distribution system and more particularly to a broadcasting receiving and distribution system that will allow for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Satellite broadcasting has become very popular throughout the United States. Conventionally, broadcast signals are transmitted through an artificial satellite at very high frequencies. These frequencies are generally amplified and are processed by a particular device after received by an antenna or antennas and prior to application to a conventional home television set or the like.

The device is composed of an outdoor unit generally associated with the antenna and an indoor unit generally associated with the television set or the like and both units are coupled via a coaxial cable.

A problem associated with these types of systems is that they are designed to accept signals through a line of sight. Accordingly, if the satellite is not visual from a building, then the signal cannot be transmitted. Thus, these systems are rendered useless for high-rises, hospitals, school, and the like. These systems are limited in usage, and as such, can only be utilized in residential homes.

As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,352, issue to Nakagawa et al. disclose a satellite broadcast receiving system. The system of Nakagawa et al. includes a plurality of antennas which, respectively, include a plurality of output terminals. A change-over divider is connected the plurality of antennas and have a plurality of output terminals. A plurality of receivers are attached to the change-over divider for selecting one of the antenna. Though this system does achieve one of its objects by providing for a simplified satellite system, it does, however, suffer a major short coming by not providing a means of receiving satellite broadcasting for individuals who are not in direct line of sight to the antennas. This system is silent to the means of simultaneously transmitting vertical and horizontal polarized signals via a single coaxial cable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,954, issue to Inoue et al. disclose yet another satellite system that includes an outdoor unit that is connected to a channel selector. In this embodiment, the satellite signal receiving apparatus receives vertically and horizontally polarized radiation signals at the side of a receiving antenna. The signals are then transmitted, selectively to provide for either one of the vertically or horizontally polarized signals to be transmitted. This design and configuration provides for one coaxial cable to be utilized, but does not provide for the vertical and horizontal signals to be transmitted simultaneously, but rather, selectively.

None of these previous efforts, however, provide the benefits intended with the present invention. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art device through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to frequencies which the present day amplifiers can transport. This will permit for the signals to travel via existing wiring in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

The satellite broadcast system consists of a satellite antenna which receives the polarized signals. These polarized signals are transmitted to a head-in processor and are converted to different frequencies and polarities in order to render the different signals to be transmitted simultaneously. Hence, the head-in processor will permit for the transmission of signals of two different frequencies and polarities to be transmitted simultaneously and will also accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time via a single cable. This cable is coupled to a head-out processor. These signals, once in the head-out processor, will be converted to frequencies and polarities that are required for the source (i.e. television). Once converted, the signals are transmitted to a satellite receiver. This satellite receiver is coupled to the source.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will convert different frequencies and different polarized signals in order to permit the signals to be transmitted via a single coaxial cable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will provide service to mid/high-rise office buildings, condominiums, schools, hospitals and the like via a single satellite.

A final object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated herein, is to provide a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system in accordance with the proceeding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a system that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.

Although there have been many inventions related to satellite broadcast receiving and distribution systems, none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, low cost, reliable enough to become commonly used, and all still require the use of two cables in order to transmit the full band width signals of the different polarized frequencies simultaneously. The present invention meets the requirements of the simplified design, compact size, low initial cost, low operating cost, ease of installation and maintainability, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the invention.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and application of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram representing the satellite broadcast signal receiving and distribution system according to the present invention.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the satellite system of the present invention includes a receiving satellite that is connected to a head-in equipment frequency processor 44. It is at this head-in equipment frequency processor where the signals (Vertical-polarized signals and Horizontal-polarized signals or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals) are received simultaneously and then transmitted via a single coaxial cable 13 to the head-out receiver processor 45 or 46. From the receiver processor, the signals are transported to a satellite receiver 27 or 41 and to a source 29 or 43 (this FIGURE illustrates a television as its source).

As illustrated, the receiving satellite 1 is connected to a low-noise block converter (LNB) 2 for amplifying the respective polarized signals (Vertical-polarized signals and Horizontal-polarized signals or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals). This LNB is coupled to the head-in equipment frequency processor 44. Accordingly, after signals are received, they pass the low-noise block converter 2, to provide for the signals to enter the head-in equipment frequency processor 44 (illustrated in dashed lines) via conduits 3 and 4.

The head-in equipment frequency processor 44 provides for the signals via lines 3 and 4 to be converted to the frequencies which the present day amplifiers can transport via converters 5 and 7, respectively. From the conduits 3 and 4, the signals or transponders are transmitted to a first converter or down converter 5 and a second converter or up converter 7, respectfully. These frequency converters convert the entered frequencies to frequencies which the present day amplifiers can transport.

The utilization of two converters permits for the acceptance of two signals or polarized transponders that are of a different frequency.

In the down converter 5, the transponders are converted down to a specified frequency. This specified frequency is the frequency that is required for the present day amplifiers to transport. The newly converted frequencies are amplified through the amplifying means 6. At means 6, the converted frequencies are amplified so not to create second harmonics. These signals are then transferred to a four way splitter 10.

In the up converter 7, the transponders are converted up to a specified frequency. The converted frequencies then are converted down via down converter 8. This process of converting up and then down provides for frequencies to be converted without difficulties and avoiding the forbidden conversion area.

The converted signals are transferred to the four way splitter 10 in order to combine the frequency of the amplifier signal of 6 and frequency from converter 8. To synchronized the system, the frequencies from the phase lock loop (PLL) transmitter 9 are transmitted to the splitter 10.

From 10, the signals are passed through an A.C. power separator 11 which routes 60 Volts power to a D.C. power supply of 18 Volts.

This will permit for the dual frequencies from the satellite dish to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable 13. Dependent upon the length of the cable, an optional amplifier 14 can be coupled thereto. Power from a power source 16 is inserted into the lines via a power inserter 15. The signals are amplified, as needed, with an additional amplifier 17. It is noted that the amplifiers are optional and are dependent to the distance that the head-in frequency processor 44 is located from the head-out receiver processor 45 or 46. The power supply and power source 16 energize the head-in frequency processor 44.

From the single coaxial cable 13, the signals are adjusted via a tap 18 or 31 to permit for the appropriate decibels that is required for the head-out receiver processor 45 or 46.

The head-out frequency processor includes a plurality of embodiments. The design and configuration of the head-out frequency processor is dependent on the source in combination with the satellite receiver.

The first embodiment for the head-out receiver processor is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is represented by way of dashed lines 45. As seen in this head-out receiver processor, the simultaneously transmitted signals enter the processor via conduit 19. The conduit is coupled to a four (4) way splitter 20. A phase lock loop (PLL) receiver 21 is coupled to the splitter 20 to permit for the signals to be locked to the proper and desired frequencies. From the splitter, the first frequency is transmitted to a first converter 22 in order to permit signals or transponders to be converted up to a specified frequency. This up converted signal is then transmitted to the satellite receiver 27 by way of a conduit 26.

The second frequencies are transmitted to a first or up converter 23 and then is transmitted to a second or down converter 24. This will permit for the signals to be converted to the desired frequency. The conversion of the signals from up to down provides the benefit of converting the frequencies without any mishap or error. This method of conversion will avoid the forbidden conversion area. This second or down converter 24 is coupled to the satellite receiver 27 via conduit 25. The signals received from the satellite 1 can then be transmitted to the source 29 by line 28.

As illustrated, this head-out receiver processor 45 is the reverse process of the head-in processor 44. This is to provide for the signals to reconvert to its original frequencies so as to provide for the satellite receiver and source to accept the signals. The single cable 13 accepts the signals at frequencies different than that of the source 29. Accordingly the head-out receiver processor 45 must reconvert the signals to the frequencies that are utilized by the source. This design and configuration of the head-out receiver processor is dependent on the design and configuration of the satellite.

An alteration of the satellite receiver requires an alteration in the head-out receiver processor. This alteration is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is shown in outline and designated as reference 46. In this design and configuration, the satellite receiver utilizes only one wire 40 and accepts only one type of signals, at a time, such as left-hand circular or right-hand circular polarized signals.

As seen, the frequencies are tapped via 31. The tap 31 is coupled to the head-out receiver processor 46 via line 32 which is connected to a four (4) way splitter 33. To provide for the signals to be locked in proper frequencies, the four way splitter 33 is coupled to a phase lock loop (PLL) receiver 34.

From the splitter 33, the first signal is transmitted to a first or up converter 36 and then is transmitted to a second or down converter 37. The conversion of the signals from up to down provides the benefit of converting the frequencies without any mishap or error. This method of conversion will avoid the forbidden conversion area.

The signals, from the splitter 33 are transmitted to an up converter 35 which will inherently convert the signals.

A polarity switch 39 is connected to converters 35, 36, 37 in order to permit for the head-out receiver processor to be coupled to the satellite receiver 41 via a single cable 40 and a joining means 38 which is a four (4) way splitter. The satellite receiver 41 is connected by way of line 42 to a source 43.

It is noted that FIG. 1 illustrates the use of two head-out receiver processors, but in actuality, only one head-out receiver processor is utilized with the head-in processor 44. The type and embodiment for the head-out receiver processor is dependent to the combination of the satellite receiver and source that are utilized.

The satellite system of the present invention will permit for two signals of different frequency and polarities to travel simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The use of this will provide for a satellite system that is versatile, economical, and compact. The usage of the single cable permits for a system that can accept satellite broadcasting in places that were previously rendered impossible. These places includes mid/high-rise office buildings, condominiums, hospitals, schools, etc. The unique design and configuration enables the signals to be transmitted via the existing wiring of the buildings. The only renovations that may need to be done is the upgrading of the existing amplifiers.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A satellite distribution system comprising: a satellite dish receiving antenna configured to be suitable for use at a dwelling, the satellite dish receiving antenna in use receiving satellite signals of first and second polarizations, the first polarization being different from the second polarization; a low noise block converter coupled to the satellite dish receiving antenna, the low noise block converter converting the satellite signals of first and second polarizations received by the satellite dish receiving antenna; a circuit coupled to the low noise block converter that applies the converted satellite signals of the first and second polarizations to be carried simultaneously by a common signal distribution conduit to at least one satellite receiver location within the dwelling; at least one satellite receiver disposed at the at least one satellite receiver location within the dwelling, the at least one satellite receiver being coupled to the common signal distribution conduit and comprising or having associated therewith a first user input device for operation by a first user within the dwelling, a second user input device for operation by a second user within the dwelling, and a further circuit(s) coupled to the first and second user input devices for selecting between signals of the first polarization and signals of the second polarization for conversion and application to satellite program presentation devices; whereby the at least one satellite receiver independently selects, in response to the first and second user input devices, between signals of the first polarization and signals of the second polarization simultaneously carried by the common signal distribution conduit to enable presentation of different satellite programming simultaneously to the first and second users within the dwelling.
 2. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first polarization comprises horizontal and the second polarization comprises vertical.
 3. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises a down converter.
 4. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises an up converter.
 5. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises an up converter followed by a down converter.
 6. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises a first converter for further converting the first polarization signals, and a second converter for further converting the second polarization signals so that both the first and second polarization signals can be placed simultaneously on a single cable without any mishap or error.
 7. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the common signal distribution conduit comprises a coaxial cable.
 8. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the further circuit comprises a frequency converter.
 9. The satellite distribution system of claim 1 wherein the further circuit comprises an up converter followed by a down converter.
 10. A satellite distribution system comprising: a satellite dish receiving antenna configured to be suitable for use at a dwelling, the satellite dish receiving antenna in use receiving satellite signals of first and second polarizations, the first polarization being different from the second polarization; a low noise block converter coupled to the satellite dish receiving antenna, the low noise block converter converting the satellite signals of first and second polarizations received by the satellite dish receiving antenna; a circuit coupled to the low noise block converter that applies the converted satellite signals of the first and second polarizations to be carried simultaneously by a single signal distribution conduit to at least a first and second satellite receiver locations within the dwelling; a first satellite receiver disposed at the first satellite receiver location; a second satellite receiver disposed at the second satellite receiver location within the dwelling; each of the first and second satellite receivers comprising or having associated therewith a user input device for operation by a user and a further circuit coupled to the user input device for selecting between signals of the first polarization and signals of the second polarization carried by the single signal distribution conduit for conversion and application to a respective source to present different satellite programming simultaneously to different users within the dwelling.
 11. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the first polarization comprises horizontal and the second polarization comprises vertical.
 12. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises a down converter.
 13. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises an up converter.
 14. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises an up converter followed by a down converter.
 15. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the first-mentioned circuit comprises a first converter for further converting the first polarization signals, and a second converter for further converting the second polarization signals so that both the first and second polarization signals can be placed simultaneously on the single signal distribution conduit without any mishap or error.
 16. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the single signal distribution conduit comprises a coaxial cable.
 17. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the further circuit comprises a frequency converter.
 18. The satellite distribution system of claim 10 wherein the further circuit comprises an up converter followed by a down converter.
 19. The satellite distribution system of claim 16 wherein the single cable is routed to and tapped at each of the first and second receiver locations. 